New Hampshire Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Are you looking for a more rewarding career within the field of Nursing? Earning your Master’s of Science in Nursing can open up the door for exciting new opportunities. Obtaining your Master’s Degree in Nursing is a great way to further your career and expand your practice, and it can enable you to make a significant impact upon healthcare in New Hampshire.
To find programs, from traditional MSN programs to Accelerated routes, you can find all the Master’s in Nursing options in NH listed on our page. Start planning your education by requesting program information from the schools on this page today.
One of the more common choices for nurses getting MSNs is the Nurse Practitioner route. Getting your Master’s in Nursing degree as a Nurse Practitioner can also allow you to pursue a specialization in nursing. There are many areas in advanced practice nursing where you can find your niche. Some sample areas you can specialize in include a certain disease, or a specific area of the body. With healthcare reform measures creating a great need for more primary care providers, especially in rural areas, aspiring NPs may have several career choices.
Like the rest of the U.S., New Hampshire is also in need of nurse educators (HRSA, 2012). MSN-prepared nurses can teach at the pre-RN level, where the need is highest. RNs don’t usually have the education qualifications it takes to be a teacher in nursing. Of course, first-aid classes can be taught by an RN, but if you really want to qualify for a nursing education job yielding a higher income, a Master’s Degree is usually the minimum requirement. The easiest and fastest way to accomplish this goal is to apply to an RN-MSN program.
Curriculum of MSN Programs in New Hampshire
There are many nursing schools in New Hampshire that offer RN-MSN programs. The part that is difficult is choosing the right one for you. However, many schools have made getting your Master’s in Nursing much easier than in the past.
With today’s technology, many programs have an online master’s program set in place for students. The flexibility of online classes allows students to maintain their current work schedules, while studying and taking classes from the comfort of their own home. A typical RN-MSN program in New Hampshire takes about two years to complete. Getting your master’s degree is not the easiest thing to do, but with hard work and dedication you will be well on your way. The benefits of gaining your master’s degree can likely outweigh the time spent earning your degree.
In a RN-MSN program, you’ll learn vital skills that will prepare you for your field of study such as communication skills, critical-thinking skills, compassion, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and resourcefulness. As you can see, the coursework is designed to develop you into becoming a stronger leader.
In a traditional BSN to MSN program you will have previously completed your bachelor’s degree and will be continuing your education to obtain your master’s degree. Most of the core classes taken in a BSN to MSN program will be almost identical when compared to other MSN programs. A sampling of courses that could either be elective or core classes may include: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health and Illness Appraisal, and Health Care Systems and Leadership.
Whatever route you choose, a Master’s Degree in Nursing is designed to leave you well equipped to provide quality patient care and exhibit leadership in the workplace.
Careers for MSN Graduates in New Hampshire
With a career in advanced practiced nursing, you can earn some of the highest salaries in the nursing field. According to the Occupational Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a nurse with a MSN degree was $96,460 in 2012. Nurse anesthetists were among the top paid with an average pay of $148,160.
With an expected growth for healthcare services, the demand for nurses with a Master’s Degree in Nursing is also expected to rise. There are different factors that have an effect on the demand for healthcare services such as recent healthcare legislation that promises healthcare to those who were previously uninsured. The shortage of physicians also plays a role in the growing need for advanced practice nursing.
For more information on opportunities, educational programs and funding, check out the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, New Hampshire Nurses’ Association, and the New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association.
Programs to consider:
- Rivier College (Nashua, NH). Rivier College programs include advanced practice specialties and an education track. Most also have a bridge option for non-nursing baccalaureate RNs.
- University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH). UNH offers MSN tracks such as advanced practice, leadership, and evidence-based nursing, which focuses on advanced generalist nursing practice or education.
